The Nature of Sexual Desire

James Giles

Although there has been much discussion about things like the causes, loss, and maintenance of sexual desire, there has been little research into the nature of sexual desire itself. Consequently, most of the discussions on these topics have gone on without any clear idea about what it is that is being discussed. Readers will be interested that at last there is a full-length book that attempts to say what sexual desire is. Further, this book takes an interdisciplinary and intercultural approach, drawing on a wide range of texts and research. Drawing on such diverse sources as psychology, philosophy, and biology, a thorough discussion of sexual desire is presented. Also presented are new accounts of the sexual process, gender, romantic love, and love's relation to sexual desire.

James Giles was born in Vancouver, Canada and received his Ph.D. at the University of Edinburgh. He is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Guam and Tutor at Madingley Hall, University of Cambridge. Among his writings is No Self to be Found: The Search for Personal Identity.

Part 1 PrefaceChapter 2 The Problem of Sexual DesireChapter 3 The Sexual ProcessChapter 4 The Object of Sexual DesireChapter 5 The Experience of GenderChapter 6 The Structure of Being in LoveChapter 7 Epilogue: Sexual Desire as an Existential NeedPart 8 ReferencesPart 9 Index

Giles' spiritual understanding of sexual desire and his appreciation for the richness and exquisiteness of sexual interaction will be refreshing for those philosophers and sex therapists who believe that biological and physiological research dehumanize the joys of sexual desire and satisfaction.— Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy

This is an interesting book, in that it deals with a subject (sexual desire) most of us take for granted as being an instinct, without really considering it a process. . . . This is an excellent read that keeps the reader engrossed throughout.— British Journal of Sexual Medicine

The Nature of Sexual Desire. . . . presents a rich and thorough exploration of the subject matter that cuts across historical perspectives and issues of culture. The author draws on understandings from sexology, psychology, philosophy and anthropology and by so doing explores all relevant perspectives.— Sexual and Relationship Therapy

Unlike psychology, where sexual desire has long had a central place, philosophy has paid it much less attention. Thus, James Giles' The Nature of Sexual Desire is a welcome and much needed addition the relatively scant philosophical literature on the subject. . . . it is an original, intriguing and, I suspect, fecund account. Moreover, Giles does a masterful job of weaving together material from psychological, biological, and religious sources as well as philosophical ones. . . . Giles covers a wealth of material and presents detailed, articulate arguments in support of his views. The Nature of Sexual Desire is well worth the read.— Metapsychology Online

[Giles'] descriptions are often detailed, nuanced, and unafraid of approaching the everyday reality of sexual experience head-on. He is to be commended for being unafraid of frankly discussing the details of sexual experience, as even the most sex-positive scholars have a tendency to whitewash their prose. I strongly believe that this unconscious self-censorship is ultimately injurious to sexual health, social justice, and the scientific study of sexuality. Whatever his other faults, the author has presented an unabashed celebration of human sexuality, and for that alone this book represents a contribution to the literature.— Anthropological Quarterly

The philosophical analysis presented in the book is sure to stimulate critical thinking and encourage one to look at sexual desire from a multitude of perspectives. Giles has made a significant contribution to the literature, and the process of the examination in and of itself is worthwhile to gain insight into the nature of sexual desire.— Journal of Marriage and Family

The Nature of Sexual Desire is a comprehensive phenomenological analysis of sexual desire. James Giles explores the existential experience of desire at length to answer some of the most complex questions regarding the object of sexual desire. He provides a systematic reflection and phenomenological description of sexual desire that is a must read for sex educators, philosophers, researchers, and graduate students interested in sexuality. The reader is sure to obtain valuable insight on the problem and object of sexual desire as well as the experience of gender and love in relation to sexual desire.— Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity

If you are looking for a detailed analysis, from a multi-theoretical and philosophical perspective, on human sexual desire, this text stands alone for its innovative and comprehensive approach.— Aids Care

The book is an engaging read, even if one disagrees with its approach or findings, and is certainly provocative in more ways than one.— Anthropological Forum

The author, James Giles, is primarily and academic philosopher with a wealth of experience from his travels and work around the world who currently holds an associate professorship at the University of Guam. In his book, The Nature of Sexual Desire, he draws from his academic and experiential understanding of philosophy, psychology, and cross-cultural anthropology to present a diverse critique of sexuality.— Journal of Sexual Aggression

[A] provocative and compelling treatment of the phenomenology of sexual desire. This is a worthy and worthwhile read for scholars of sexuality and by therapists seeking to gain a broader understanding of the nature of sexual desire. . . . In sum, Giles presents a travelogue of sorts that takes us through many disciplines that can claim insights into the nature of sexual desire, but none that have any unique right of ownership. Always challenging and provocative, it is in this well-written and highly personal account that Giles lays out his case for understanding sexual desire as it presents itself to our awareness.— Journal of Sex Research

Giles is a fine writer. . . . this remains a provocative and thought-provoking book. It is relevant to the work of marital and family therapists in two important ways: It provides a broad philosophical perspective when confronting issues of human sexuality. It also provides a comprehensive (and quick) history of previous theoretical approaches to the nature of sexual desire. (There are chapters devoted to the theorizing of Ellis, Freud, Reich, Masters, and Johnson, as well as more recent theorists.) All in all it is a pleasure to read.— Journal of Marital and Family Therapy

[T]his book would be an excellent learning resource. It provides a detailed analysis and a multi-theoretical and philosophical approach to the study of sexual desire. It is written in a clear and vivid style, precise and easy to read. Moreover, partly stemming from his discussions with students, the material is manageable and could easily be used for teaching. It constitutes an excellent source for both undergraduate and postgraduate students seeking an introduction to the complex and enigmatic topic of sexual desire. . . . One could also recommend the book to medical students and other health professional trainees, since sexuality is an integral part of human existence throughout life.— Journal Of Health Psychology

This readable and well-conceived book represents a lucid, synoptic assessment of a key and central feature of our humanity. Its approach is both comprehensive and systematic….The reader will find here a rich and creative synthesis of both intrapsychic and interpersonal aspects of sexual attraction, arousal, and response.— Sanford Lopater, Professor of Psychology, Christopher Newport University, co-author (with Ruth Dr Ruth Westheimer) of Human Sexuality: A Psychoso

A delightful examination of the way in which cross-cultural theorists, philosophers, and psychologists have viewed the nature of sexual desire…genuine insights into human sexuality, gender, and the experience of love.— Elaine Hatfield, Professor of Psychology, University of Hawaii, Past President for the Society of Scientific Study of Sex, co-author (with Richar

The Nature of Sexual Desire

Paperback

Summary

Summary

Although there has been much discussion about things like the causes, loss, and maintenance of sexual desire, there has been little research into the nature of sexual desire itself. Consequently, most of the discussions on these topics have gone on without any clear idea about what it is that is being discussed. Readers will be interested that at last there is a full-length book that attempts to say what sexual desire is. Further, this book takes an interdisciplinary and intercultural approach, drawing on a wide range of texts and research. Drawing on such diverse sources as psychology, philosophy, and biology, a thorough discussion of sexual desire is presented. Also presented are new accounts of the sexual process, gender, romantic love, and love's relation to sexual desire.

James Giles was born in Vancouver, Canada and received his Ph.D. at the University of Edinburgh. He is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Guam and Tutor at Madingley Hall, University of Cambridge. Among his writings is No Self to be Found: The Search for Personal Identity.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Part 1 PrefaceChapter 2 The Problem of Sexual DesireChapter 3 The Sexual ProcessChapter 4 The Object of Sexual DesireChapter 5 The Experience of GenderChapter 6 The Structure of Being in LoveChapter 7 Epilogue: Sexual Desire as an Existential NeedPart 8 ReferencesPart 9 Index

Reviews

Reviews

Giles' spiritual understanding of sexual desire and his appreciation for the richness and exquisiteness of sexual interaction will be refreshing for those philosophers and sex therapists who believe that biological and physiological research dehumanize the joys of sexual desire and satisfaction.— Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy

This is an interesting book, in that it deals with a subject (sexual desire) most of us take for granted as being an instinct, without really considering it a process. . . . This is an excellent read that keeps the reader engrossed throughout.— British Journal of Sexual Medicine

The Nature of Sexual Desire. . . . presents a rich and thorough exploration of the subject matter that cuts across historical perspectives and issues of culture. The author draws on understandings from sexology, psychology, philosophy and anthropology and by so doing explores all relevant perspectives.— Sexual and Relationship Therapy

Unlike psychology, where sexual desire has long had a central place, philosophy has paid it much less attention. Thus, James Giles' The Nature of Sexual Desire is a welcome and much needed addition the relatively scant philosophical literature on the subject. . . . it is an original, intriguing and, I suspect, fecund account. Moreover, Giles does a masterful job of weaving together material from psychological, biological, and religious sources as well as philosophical ones. . . . Giles covers a wealth of material and presents detailed, articulate arguments in support of his views. The Nature of Sexual Desire is well worth the read.— Metapsychology Online

[Giles'] descriptions are often detailed, nuanced, and unafraid of approaching the everyday reality of sexual experience head-on. He is to be commended for being unafraid of frankly discussing the details of sexual experience, as even the most sex-positive scholars have a tendency to whitewash their prose. I strongly believe that this unconscious self-censorship is ultimately injurious to sexual health, social justice, and the scientific study of sexuality. Whatever his other faults, the author has presented an unabashed celebration of human sexuality, and for that alone this book represents a contribution to the literature.— Anthropological Quarterly

The philosophical analysis presented in the book is sure to stimulate critical thinking and encourage one to look at sexual desire from a multitude of perspectives. Giles has made a significant contribution to the literature, and the process of the examination in and of itself is worthwhile to gain insight into the nature of sexual desire.— Journal of Marriage and Family

The Nature of Sexual Desire is a comprehensive phenomenological analysis of sexual desire. James Giles explores the existential experience of desire at length to answer some of the most complex questions regarding the object of sexual desire. He provides a systematic reflection and phenomenological description of sexual desire that is a must read for sex educators, philosophers, researchers, and graduate students interested in sexuality. The reader is sure to obtain valuable insight on the problem and object of sexual desire as well as the experience of gender and love in relation to sexual desire.— Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity

If you are looking for a detailed analysis, from a multi-theoretical and philosophical perspective, on human sexual desire, this text stands alone for its innovative and comprehensive approach.— Aids Care

The book is an engaging read, even if one disagrees with its approach or findings, and is certainly provocative in more ways than one.— Anthropological Forum

The author, James Giles, is primarily and academic philosopher with a wealth of experience from his travels and work around the world who currently holds an associate professorship at the University of Guam. In his book, The Nature of Sexual Desire, he draws from his academic and experiential understanding of philosophy, psychology, and cross-cultural anthropology to present a diverse critique of sexuality.— Journal of Sexual Aggression

[A] provocative and compelling treatment of the phenomenology of sexual desire. This is a worthy and worthwhile read for scholars of sexuality and by therapists seeking to gain a broader understanding of the nature of sexual desire. . . . In sum, Giles presents a travelogue of sorts that takes us through many disciplines that can claim insights into the nature of sexual desire, but none that have any unique right of ownership. Always challenging and provocative, it is in this well-written and highly personal account that Giles lays out his case for understanding sexual desire as it presents itself to our awareness.— Journal of Sex Research

Giles is a fine writer. . . . this remains a provocative and thought-provoking book. It is relevant to the work of marital and family therapists in two important ways: It provides a broad philosophical perspective when confronting issues of human sexuality. It also provides a comprehensive (and quick) history of previous theoretical approaches to the nature of sexual desire. (There are chapters devoted to the theorizing of Ellis, Freud, Reich, Masters, and Johnson, as well as more recent theorists.) All in all it is a pleasure to read.— Journal of Marital and Family Therapy

[T]his book would be an excellent learning resource. It provides a detailed analysis and a multi-theoretical and philosophical approach to the study of sexual desire. It is written in a clear and vivid style, precise and easy to read. Moreover, partly stemming from his discussions with students, the material is manageable and could easily be used for teaching. It constitutes an excellent source for both undergraduate and postgraduate students seeking an introduction to the complex and enigmatic topic of sexual desire. . . . One could also recommend the book to medical students and other health professional trainees, since sexuality is an integral part of human existence throughout life.— Journal Of Health Psychology

This readable and well-conceived book represents a lucid, synoptic assessment of a key and central feature of our humanity. Its approach is both comprehensive and systematic….The reader will find here a rich and creative synthesis of both intrapsychic and interpersonal aspects of sexual attraction, arousal, and response.— Sanford Lopater, Professor of Psychology, Christopher Newport University, co-author (with Ruth Dr Ruth Westheimer) of Human Sexuality: A Psychoso

A delightful examination of the way in which cross-cultural theorists, philosophers, and psychologists have viewed the nature of sexual desire…genuine insights into human sexuality, gender, and the experience of love.— Elaine Hatfield, Professor of Psychology, University of Hawaii, Past President for the Society of Scientific Study of Sex, co-author (with Richar